Sharon Horgan Discusses New HBO Post-Divorce Comedy Series 'Youth'

Quick Brief
Creator and writer Sharon Horgan has opened up about her upcoming HBO comedy series titled Youth. The show centers on a recently divorced protagonist navigating the complexities of dating, career pressures, and caring for both a teenage son and elderly parents. Horgan developed some of the characters over a five-year period before pitching the project to HBO.
What Happened?
Sharon Horgan pitched her new series, Youth, to HBO by describing the central protagonist as part of the 'sandwich generation'—caught between a teenage son and two elderly parents—alongside the challenges of a recent divorce and dating. Having incubated several of the characters for five years, Horgan secured a greenlight from HBO just a week after pitching the concept. The show draws on both Horgan's personal observations after turning 50 and the experiences of her friends to portray the urgency and realities of post-divorce life.
Why It Matters
The series offers a fresh and urgent perspective on women navigating midlife, aging, and romance, moving past traditional tropes to deliver an authentic look at the pressures faced by the sandwich generation.
Key Facts
- Sharon Horgan created and pitched the new comedy series Youth to HBO.
- The protagonist, Alex, is dealing with a recent divorce, dating, a busy professional life, and caring for a teenage son and two elderly parents.
- Horgan spent five years incubating some of the characters featured in the show.
- HBO greenlit the series just a week after Horgan pitched the concept.
- The themes of the show are inspired by Horgan's experiences entering her 50s and the lives of her friends.
Compiled from 1 outlet
Related Stories

Comedian Russell Howard Announces Death of Newborn Son, Felix
British comedian Russell Howard and his wife, Cerys Morgan, have shared the heartbreaking news that their newborn son, Felix, died shortly after birth. Describing the event as the most devastating time of their lives, the couple stated that their family has been changed forever. In memory of their son, they have established a charitable foundation.

Comedian Russell Howard Announces Death of Newborn Son Felix
Comedian Russell Howard has shared the tragic news that his newborn son, Felix, passed away shortly after birth earlier this year. Howard and his wife, Cerys, experienced the heartbreaking loss just hours after the delivery. The public announcement has drawn widespread sympathy for the couple.

Katseye Performs at London's O2 Arena Amid Group Changes and US Success
Multinational girl group Katseye performed at London's O2 Arena during their debut arena tour. The concert arrived shortly after the group secured their first US number-one album with Wild and faced multiple lineup changes due to member hiatuses and injuries.

Veteran Israeli Director Amos Gitai Highlights West Bank Plight with New Film at Venice
Veteran Israeli writer-director Amos Gitai has brought his new poetic film, The Road to Jericho, to the Venice Film Festival. The project draws attention to the struggles of residents in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. A focal point of his commentary is the threatened Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar.